Athlete of the Week: Riley Chamberlain grabs personal records in the last two invitationals

Del Oro High track and field senior Riley Chamberlain competed at the Kays Ostrom Invite on April 29 at Nevada Union High School where she won in both the 800-meter and two-mile races. She finished with a personal record of 2:13 in the 800-meter event. Chamberlain also participated at the Sacramento Meet of Champions where she won both the 800-meter and one-mile race, also grabbing a personal record in the one-mile. Not only does Chamberlain run track and field but she was also on the Golden Eagles' cross-country team in the fall where she won the individual Sac-Joaquin Section title. Gold Country Media asked Chamberlain some questions and her responses follow. What is the best part about running track at Del Oro? Chamberlain: "The best part about running at Del Oro has 100 percent been my teammates and how amazing they've been." How long have you been running competitively and who is your biggest motivation? Chamberlain: "Since I was nine and my biggest inspiration has been both of my parents but specifically my father for running. He has not only done an amazing job training me physically but also mentally and has shown me how to really enjoy every aspect of running." You came first in both the 800-meter and 2-mile races at the Kays Ostrom Invite, grabbing a personal record (PR) in the 800-meter race. What have you been working on lately that has contributed to your great race times? Chamberlain: "All season, we've mostly just been focusing on longer, tempish workouts with a little bit of speed at the end but now as we are getting into later season, it's reversed and now it's speed with small tempos at the end." What are your biggest goals when it comes to league finals and the postseason? Chamberlain: "My biggest goals are to PR in the 1,600-meter race and PR in the two-mile at state. I'd obviously like to place well but as long as I do those two things I'll be happy no matter where I place." Do you have a favorite professional athlete? If so, who and why? Chamberlain: "As of right now, it'd probably be Ally Ostrander. I just love how positive and strong she has been through the first couple years of her career. She's also super funny if you watch her YouTube videos." Do sports run in your family? If so, who has played and at what levels? Chamberlain: "My father and most of his brothers ran in high school and college. He continued after college and ended up qualifying for the Olympic trials in the steeplechase." Have you ever been involved in other sports? Chamberlain: "I did gymnastics and swimming when I was little but never really competitively." What are your biggest strengths as a runner? Chamberlain: "Being able to push myself through the pain and hurt more than most people can and sometimes even further than I think I can. I also just enjoy every part of running and I think that's also really important." Do you have a favorite game you've played or a favorite memory from your high school track career up to this point? Chamberlain: "Racing at state my freshman year in the two-mile. I spent most of that season injured and got back just in time to go through the rounds to get to state. I ended up placing fourth at 10:21. I was just so thankful to be there." What has the experience been like getting to run cross-country and track with your sister, Karissa, these last two seasons? Chamberlain: "It has been awesome getting to race with my sister the past two years. She makes racing that much more fun and it's way less stressful having her on the line." You're signed to run track and field at Brigham Young University. What are you most looking forward to when it comes to college and what do you plan on majoring in? Chamberlain: "Something I'm really looking forward to is training with the best girls and coaches in the nation and being able to learn from them. Not sure what I'm majoring in yet but I'm looking into an English teaching degree or something like that." What is your favorite class in school currently and why? Chamberlain: "Earth science because I've learned a lot in that class and my teacher is really fun." Who is your favorite musical artist/band? Chamberlain: "Probably Quinn XCII." Favorite restaurant and favorite food? Chamberlain: "Red's Bistro and their steak is so good." Outside of school and running track, what do you like to do in your free time? Chamberlain: "I like boating, hanging out with friends and playing piano." Is there a particular job you'd like to have someday? Chamberlain: "A job I'd like to have one day is being a teacher and a coach." If you had a piece of advice for other high school athletes, what would you tell them? Chamberlain: "Enjoy the process and appreciate the people around you helping you."